Oliver Vernon vs Cam Wake- A Closer Look

[So Be]

Some Phans think that OV has had a half of a VG season in playing for a new contract and is not worth keeping. I disagree and took a look at what he has done since we drafted him in the 3rd round, while comparing his production vs Wake. He had a decent rookie season in 2012 but, am just going on the last 3 years.

In 2013, OV had 11.5 sacks and 57 tackles. Wake had 8.5 sacks and 37 tackles.

In 2014, OV had 6.5 sacks and 46 tackles. Wake had 11.5 sacks and 36 tackles.

In 2015, OV had 7.5 sacks and 61 tackles. Wake had 7 sacks and 9 tackles in 7 games.

OV has never missed a game, is much better vs the run, makes many more tackles, and does compare well at this point in the careers of both on QB pressure while playing vs LT's.

Some say that OV got his sacks from Wake forcing the QB to him and getting hustle sacks by never giving up on a play. Then say that he did not give his best effort until the second half of last year in playing for a contract while playing injured in the first half. He had a great second half without Wake but, some point to Suh as the one responsible.

Seems to me that some are taking shots at the guy just developing, getting better, and just playing very well.in looking for excuses as to why without giving him the credit he deserves.

JMO

 

[Butterfrog 2.0]

OV, is nowhere near the pass rushing demon that Wake is. The first half of the season almost all of the attention was towards Wake and Suh and OV did next to nothing when he should have been tearing it up with all of the 1 on 1 matchup he was seeing. I remember on many occasions seeing both Wake AND Suh double teamed on a play and thinking how could the other guys not be taking advantage of this.

Now with all of that said I don't think OV is a bad player by any means, but I don't see him as an elite pass rusher, and if we keep him that's what we'll have to pay him as.

 

[So Be]

OV, is nowhere near the pass rushing demon that Wake is. The first half of the season almost all of the attention was towards Wake and Suh and OV did next to nothing when he should have been tearing it up with all of the 1 on 1 matchup he was seeing. I remember on many occasions seeing both Wake AND Suh double teamed on a play and thinking how could the other guys not be taking advantage of this.

Now with all of that said I don't think OV is a bad player by any means, but I don't see him as an elite pass rusher, and if we keep him that's what we'll have to pay him as.

As mentioned, OV had an ankle injury in game 1 which hurt him. How did he manage to get much better without Wake in the second half when he was being targeted and planned for? His production speaks for itself.

 

[ITS!MATEO]

I agree that OV has always been disliked on this forum and that his play has always been extremely solid, but you can't compare him with Wake this past season... Wake was basically banged up the entire year.

 

[Oraclepz]

i like Vernon, he's much better in the run than wake but pass rush is nowhere near him. I want to keep vernon because i hate to see us develop him and have some one else enjoy the fruit of our labor. Within reason i want vernon to stay a dolphin. Give him his Cam Jordan contract and we should be good (5yr 60 mil). If he wants a significant amount more than that then bye...

 

[jimthefin]

The question with Vernon is entirely about how much he will cost.

He is a very good(not great)DE but he is going to be paid like he IS great.

Will that make sense to the Fins Cap situation, especially when there will probably will multiple quality pass rushers available at #8 who will be much cheaper.

I do not see how Miami can keep both Wake and Vernon(right now) without regretting it later, but we do not know who they may cut to create cap space so it could happen.At least they would have the room to Franchise him and keep him off the market.

Otherwise the most likely scenario is they extend Wake(thus cutting his Cap #)and Vernon gets a crazy FA offer they just can't match.

 

[miamiron]

As mentioned, OV had an ankle injury in game 1 which hurt him. How did he manage to get much better without Wake in the second half when he was being targeted and planned for? .

Someone reminded him of his contract year

 

[Phishpunk@WCU]

I have no problem with bringing Vernon back, I just have a problem with paying him $12m a season for him when he has had one half season of great production. As many people mentioned he is a good DE, but not elite in any area. I would much rather see us franchise him at $14m give him the option of a deal in the $8m a year range or left him play one season on the tag. If he continues his great 2015 year in 2016. Offer him the $12-13m it is warranted. The last thing I would not want is us being buried in a massive contract to see him regress in a non-contract year with studs like Reshad Jones and Jarvis Landry looking at long term deals in the next two seasons.

 

[Travis34]

Someone reminded him of his contract year

I don't think there's really any debating this... I mean it was pointed out now he would forego his responsibilities on defense and solely go after the qb and thus ended up with a few more pressures, hits, sacks, and penalties. I don't WANT to lose him but don't want to pay him like a truly elite player. SoBe, you clearly like the guy a lot, no harm in that, but doesn't his at times inconsistent play worry you, even if just a little?

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

OV is nothing close to the pass rusher Cam Wake is. Wake changes games. OV does not.

 

[Kingdom Come]

I'd rather just tag and trade Vernon. If we don't find a trade partner we just keep him one more year and see what happens.

 

[NBP81]

So Wake had 7 sacks in 7 games, .5 less than Vernon in 16... Sounds about right...

 

[fishfanmiami]

So Wake had 7 sacks in 7 games, .5 less than Vernon in 16... Sounds about right...

Actually Wake got all 7 in a three game stretch. Remember he started slow then caught on fire before his injury.
That's why i'd love him back in a reduced role. He can be a game changer.

 

[NBP81]

Actually Wake got all 7 in a three game stretch. Remember he started slow then caught on fire before his injury.
That's why i'd love him back in a reduced role. He can be a game changer.

He really is, I mean I think its ridiculous to even compare them... especially when trying to bring QB hits in to level the playing fields... especially when the guy with all those QB hits ended up with 7 roughing the passer penalties... Its kind of a misleading stat in this particular case...

 

[MARINO1384]

Id love to keep him however whether hes a great player or not, is his cost worth it? To me i dont think it is. Its looking more and more like hes going to want and get 12+ a year. For 12 million maybe more a year, you better constantly put up 12 sacks a year. I just dont think vernon had that game changer talent.